Compare the data masking component to the data masking plugin¶
The Data Masking component feature is in tech preview.
Percona Server for MySQL 8.0.34 introduces a data masking component that operates like a plugin but features a different architecture, enhancing the server’s functionality. Below are the main differences between the component and the plugin:
| Scenario | Description |
|---|---|
| Character set support | The component allows multi-byte character sets for general-purpose masking functions, while the plugin does not. |
| Masking capabilities | The component can mask PAN, SSN, IBAN, UUID, Canada SIN, and UK NIN. In contrast, the plugin only handles PAN and SSN. |
| Data generation | The component generates random email, US phone, PAN, SSN, IBAN, UUID, Canada SIN, and UK NIN data, while the plugin generates fewer types: email, US phone, PAN, and SSN. |
| Dictionary storage | The component stores substitution dictionaries in the database, as opposed to the plugin, which keeps these dictionaries in a file. |
| Privilege management | The component uses the MASKING_DICTIONARIES_ADMIN privilege for dictionary management, while the plugin requires the FILE privilege. |
| Function handling | The component automatically registers or unregisters loadable functions during installation or uninstallation, while the plugin does not offer this automatic process. |